BC NDP

WILLIAMS LAKE - Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett can live up to her campaign promise of speaking for the Cariboo by voting against the HST, say the New Democrats.

Spencer Herbert, the opposition critic for tourism, arts and culture, said individuals, families and small businesses will be hurt by the unfair HST and he said B.C. Liberal MLAs like Barnett should support their constituents by voting against it.

"In my tour through the Cariboo, I've heard from many people who are worried about their future because of the HST," said Herbert, noting that a report from the Council of Tourism Associations estimated that 10,000 jobs would be lost from the sector if the tax goes through.

"This tax will have a profound and negative impact on a tourism sector already hammered by cuts and mismanagement from the B.C. Liberals," said Herbert.
Herbert noted that the HST can be stopped if seven B.C. Liberal MLAs join with the NDP and vote against HST legislation when it comes before the legislature this spring.

"During the election campaign, Ms. Barnett promised to be the Cariboo's voice in Victoria," said Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson. "So far, she has not lived up to that promise and has been more likely to toe the B.C. Liberal party line, to the detriment of the people of this region.

"Voting against the HST would be a real step toward being the voice of her constituents in Victoria," said Simpson.

A recent poll found 82 per cent of British Columbians are opposed to the HST. After saying during the election campaign they would not bring in the HST, last summer the B.C. Liberals announced the tax, which is slated to kick in next July if the legislation passes.

Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.